Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD, is a condition describing pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Some patients may experience popping or clicking sounds, limited mouth opening, difficulty chewing, or headaches.

TMD treatment ranges depending on the severity of the disease process. Some patients may require minimal, conservative treatment, while others may require a surgical procedure.

Dr. Best treats a wide variety of TMJ disorders. He performs minimally invasive procedures, such as TMJ arthrocentesis and TMJ arthroscopy. He also performs open TMJ procedures including total joint replacement.

Minimally Invasive TMJ Arthroscopy

TMJ arthroscopy is a procedure to diagnose and treat a variety of TMJ disorders. During TMJ arthroscopy, a small (2 millimeter) camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint. This allows Dr. Best to visualize the joint and surrounding structures in detail. With this view, the he can identify any abnormalities, such as damaged or inflamed tissue, and immediately perform necessary treatments. TMJ arthroscopy offers many benefits including short procedure time, less trauma to surrounding tissues, and quick recovery.

Open TMJ Surgery and Joint Replacement

Open TMJ surgery, including replacement of the joint, is a treatment reserved for more severe cases of TMJ disorders. During open TMJ surgery, Dr. Best accesses the joint to address complex issues such as joint damage, degeneration, or structural abnormalities. In cases where the joint is irreversibly damaged, total joint replacement may be necessary. This involves removing the damaged joint components and replacing them with a custom-made implant.